The Darlene 3 Fire, the first conflagration of the 2024 fire season, highlights the critical role of the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s 2024 Wildfire Season Staffing Grant. This grant program boosts local fire agency’s capacity to respond to wildfires while maintaining adequate staffing levels at home.
Of the 37 structural fire agencies that responded to the Darlene 3 Fire with task forces, 25 were able to send firefighters while maintaining staff at their fire station. This was made possible because of the support provided by the OSFM’s staffing grant.
Yamhill County Task Force: A Notable Example
The Yamhill County task force played a crucial role in protecting a construction business on Finley Butte during the firefighting efforts on Wednesday. Five of the seven agencies that make up the Yamhill County task force benefited from the upstaffing grant funds in 2024. These agencies include:
Gaston Fire Department
Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Emergency Services
Amity Fire Department
Lafayette Fire Department
Dundee Fire Department
The effective mobilization and sustained staffing levels at home agencies highlights the importance of the OSFM’s 2024 Wildfire Season Staffing Grant. This program has proven to be a vital support, ensuring local fire agencies can meet the dual demands of local and regional emergency response.
About the Response
The Darlene 3 Fire ignited on land managed by the Bureau of Land Management near the Deschutes National Forest, posing a significant threat to the community of La Pine. The OSFM’s mobilized a total 81 firefighters, 34 incident management team members and three OSFM support staff, 24 fire engines, and six water tenders to protect homes from the wildfire, demonstrating the strength and coordination of Oregon fire service.
As the wildfire season progresses, the success of the Darlene 3 Fire response highlights the value of strategic funding and interagency collaboration. The OSFM’s proactive measures and the dedication of Oregon’s fire agencies continue to play a pivotal role in protecting communities from the ever-present threat of wildfires.
Learn more about the OSFM’s Wildfire Season Staffing Grant here.